>> Monday, June 27, 2016

By Julie G.
Fianza

BAGUIO
CITY - A downward trend in crimes committed was reported during the recent
Cordillera Regional Peace and Order Council meeting here.

From January to April 2016, regionwide
crime volume was 4,749; 1,674 index and 3,075 non- index; compared to 6,945
during the same period in 2015, Police Regional Office (PRO-Cordillera) Senior
Supt. Brent Madjaco reported, a 31.62% decrease.

The reduced crime volume was attributed
to 90% personnel assigned on patrol duty, and remaining to offices, it was
known.

Top wanted criminals were also arrested
and firearms confiscated.

In a report from PDEA regional director
Juvenal Azurin, 135 barangays are drug-affected regionwide, from the earlier
124. Vehicles for hire are often used in the transport of said drugs. No
laboratory exists in the region, Azurin clarified.

Seizures of illegal and prohibited drugs
were done in January up to April 2016, for crystalline Methamphetamine (shabu),
Cannabis sativa (Marijuana) leaves, hash, bricks, seeds, seedlings, stalks and
grown plants. A new form of illegal drugs, liquid shabu was also confiscated.

Coordination between and among the
community, PNP and other agencies matter much in the war against illegal drugs,
it was known.

In an earlier meeting and during the
forum the establishment of a drug rehabilitation venue was suggested at the
Luis Hora Memorial Hospital in Bauko, Mt. Province.

It was also requested during the forum
that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) be informed of individuals having
questionable drug and criminal backgrounds.

In the DENR BantayGubat report, forest
guards are still working against illegal activities, forest fires, encroachment
and destruction over 290,742 hectare. They also do site clearing, fire line
clearing, foot patrol, seedling potting and other plant nursery activities.

In the comprehensive local integration
program, 52 former rebels were assisted, with P132,300 administrative support;
immediate financial assistance, P705,000; livelihood assistance, P2,300,000;
firearm remuneration, P10,000 for a total of P3,147,300.00.

A downward trend in crimes in Baguio was
also reported by City Police Office during second quarter City Human Rights,
Justice, Peace and Order Council meeting at city hall.

The BCPO report focused on crimes on a
weekly basis. Theft cases topped the list, with physical injuries and robbery
next. There were a case each of motornapping and homicide, within four weeks.

In April 20 to 26, there were 43 crimes
committed. On illegal drugs, PDEA regional head Castro reported existence of
liquefied shabu (methamphetamine) in the city in addition to that in
crystallized form.

Liquid shabu is easy to ingest, while
fruiting tops and stalks of Cannabis sativa (Marijuana or weed) are now
preferred, Castro said. Solvents are commonly bought and used by children on
streets, he added.

Since January this year, 23 operations
were conducted, 27 drug personalities arrested, and 140.2116 grams of Shabu and
1,709.51 grams Marijuana, three Marijuana seedlings, 2.4 ml liquid Shabu and
other suspected illegal drugs were confiscated.

According to Councilor Ortega, chair of
the Human Rights, Justice, Public Protection and Safety, Peace and Order
committee, a rehabilitation center for those addicted to illegal drugs is
mulled. Ortega added rewards are given to tipsters on drug pushers and
merchandisers.

Meanwhile, Napolcom officer Soledad
Benwaren called on those interested to join the police force. Online
applications for the Oct. 16, 2016 entrance examinations is on July 18 to 22,
for Police Officers, July 25 to 29, and for all other positions, applications
will be on Aug. 1-5.